North Colors x Kikusuian Zunda Shake Gumi is a collaborative product between North Colors and Kikusuian, a renowned wagashi maker in Sendai known for its dedication to zunda-based confections. This product aims to recreate the flavour of the zunda shake—a blend of sweetened zunda paste (made from crushed edamame beans with sugar and salt) and vanilla shake—in gummy form.

Each piece measured approximately 2 cm in diameter and 1 cm in height, featuring an opaque green hue and a distinctive sweet edamame aroma, softened by subtle vanilla notes. On tasting, the gummy offered a firm, gelatin-based bounce with notable resistance. The initial flavour was mild, but developed gradually with chewing into a well-integrated profile that captured both the vegetal, nutty character of zunda and the creamy sweetness of vanilla shake. The flavour balance was carefully judged—neither cloying nor overly savoury—and the textural decision to use a gelatin base distinguished it from the more common zunda mochi, lending novelty to the concept.

This was a thoughtful and effective interpretation of a regional flavour, translating the unique identity of zunda shake into a new format with clarity and restraint. Well worth trying for those interested in regional Japanese flavours reimagined in contemporary forms.

This North Colors x Kikusuian Zunda Shake Gumi contained 40 g. It was produced in Japan and purchased in Sendai, Japan in 2024.